Local Hero Maverick Schutte Needs Your Help

During his short life, Cheyenne native Maverick Schutte has inspired people across the world with his courage and charisma. Now, after helping raise millions of dollars for the Children's Miracle Network, Maverick's family needs our help.

The seven year old boy, who was born with a congentital heart defect and has survived over 30 surgeries, has been in declining health recently. His doctors have advised that Maverick may need a heart and lung transplant.

Maverick's mother Marti Linane is hoping to send her son on a trip to Boston this month to attend the number retirement ceremony for his friend and former Boston Red Sox slugger David "Big Papi" Ortiz. While there, they also plan on consulting doctors at the Boston Children's Hospital.

To help pay for Maverick's trip and his continuing care, his family is organizing two fundraisers this month. Saturday, June 10th, they will host a softball tournament at the Brimmer Complex in Cheyenne. Then, on Saturday, June 17th, they will be holding a garage sale in the parking lot of the First Baptist Church on 1800 East Pershing Boulevard. For more information, visit the Prayers For Maverick Facebook page.

Ortiz made national news last year when he promised to hit a home run for the ailing boy and then delivered on his promise with a game-winning blast. Several weeks later, the Red Sox flew Maverick from Cheyenne to Boston, where he had the chance to tour Fenway Park, meet his hero and throw out the first pitch before a game.